UMass Amherst Alumni Association
Your Career
Career Tips: Make a Positive, Lasting Impression
Every professional in the market for a new career position wants to make a lasting impression during a job interview. And whether he or she is a high-level executive looking to move into a new management role or a recent college graduate in the market for his first job, this impression better be positive.
Yet what today's professionals seeking new positions may not realize is that how they answer some of today's most asked interview questions can actually hinder or enhance their chances of making a good impression and securing a position. But with the right knowledge and preparation, every professional can intelligently answer even the toughest questions to make an excellent impression.
Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions and tips on how candidates should approach them:
- Why do you want to work for us? Never reply, "Because I like people." Instead, address the company's needs.
- What can you do for us that someone else can't? Be specific and to the point. Talk about your record of getting things done, and highlight specific accomplishments on your resume.
- Why did you leave your last position? Be honest, but not at your expense. If you were laid off in a corporate downsizing, say so. Otherwise, indicate that the move was your decision, made in order to advance your career.
- What are your weak points? Everyone has a weak point so don't say you're the exception. And in the same spirit, don't provide an entire list of weaknesses. Try to make a negative sound like a positive carried a bit too far.
- If you could start your career again, what would you do differently?The best answer is "Not a thing." You should present yourself as someone who enjoyed the ups in life and learned from the downs.
The key is to do your research, be prepared for tough questions, remain focused and to the point. And most importantly, avoid the pitfalls of interviewing, including telling your entire professional story during a warm-up question, talking poorly about former bosses or co-workers, being unrealistic about your weaknesses or not knowing enough about the organization or the position.
These Career Tips are brought to you by CareerTools® and the Alumni Association.
Watch for upcoming Alumni Career Services programs and events.
